Acer Aspire 3 A325-42 User Manual

About this Concise User Guide

This quick guide is a brief introduction to getting your system started. This is a supplement, and not a substitute for the expanded English language User's Manual in Adobe Acrobat format on the Device Drivers & Utilities + User's Manual disc supplied with your computer. This disc also contains the drivers and utilities necessary for the proper operation of the computer (Note: The company reserves the right to revise this publication or to change its contents without notice).

Some or all of the computer's features may already have been setup. If they aren't, or you are planning to re-configure (or re-install) portions of the system, refer to the expanded User's Manual. The Device Drivers & Utilities + User's Manual disc does not contain an operating system.

Regulatory and Safety Information

Please pay careful attention to the full regulatory notices and safety information contained in the expanded User's Manual on the Device Drivers & Utilities + User's Manual disc.

© March 2024

Trademarks

Intel is a trademark/registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

FCC Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Instructions for Care and Operation

The computer is quite rugged, but it can be damaged. To prevent this, follow these suggestions:

• Do not drop it, or expose it to shock. If the computer falls, the case and the components could be damaged.
• Keep it dry, and don't overheat it. Keep the computer and power supply away from any kind of heating element. This is an electrical appliance. If water or any other liquid gets into it, the computer could be badly damaged.
• Avoid interference. Keep the computer away from high capacity transformers, electric motors, and other strong magnetic fields. These can hinder proper performance and damage your data.
• Follow the proper working procedures for the computer. Shut the computer down properly and don't forget to save your work. Remember to periodically save your data as data may be lost.

Servicing

Do not attempt to service the computer yourself. Doing so may violate your warranty and expose you and the computer to electric shock. Refer all servicing to authorized service personnel. Unplug the computer from the power supply. Then refer servicing to qualified service personnel under any of the following conditions:

• When the power cord or AC/DC adapter is damaged or frayed.
• If the computer has been exposed to any liquids.
• If the computer does not work normally when you follow the operating instructions.
• If the computer has been dropped or damaged (do not touch the poisonous liquid if the panel breaks).
• If there is an unusual odor, heat or smoke coming from your computer.

Safety Information

• Only use an AC/DC adapter approved for use with this computer.
• Use only the power cord and batteries indicated in this manual.
• Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode. Check with local codes for possible special disposal instructions.
• Do not continue to use a battery that has been dropped, or that appears damaged (e.g. bent or twisted) in any way. Even if the computer continues to work with a damaged battery in place, it may cause circuit damage, which may possibly result in fire.
• Make sure that your computer is completely powered off before putting it into a travel bag (or any such container).
• Before cleaning the computer, make sure it is disconnected from any external power supplies, peripherals and cables.
• Use a soft clean cloth to clean the computer, but do not apply cleaner directly to the computer. Do not use volatile (petroleum distillates) or abrasive cleaners on any part of the computer.
• Do not try to repair a battery pack. Refer any battery pack repair or replacement to your service representative or qualified service personnel.
• Avoid placing any other items in the carrying bag which may rub against the top of the computer during transport. If any such wear and tear develops contact your service center.

Polymer/Lithium-Ion Battery Precautions

Note the following information which is specific to Polymer/Lithium-Ion batteries only, and where applicable, this overrides the general battery precaution information.

• Polymer/Lithium-Ion batteries may experience a slight expansion or swelling, however this is part of the battery's safety mechanism and is not a cause for concern.
• Use proper handling procedures when using Polymer/Lithium-Ion batteries. Do not use Polymer/Lithium-Ion batteries in high ambient temperature environments, and do not store unused batteries for extended periods.
• If you are working in areas of low temperature use the AC/DC adapter to power the computer.

Model Differences

This notebook series includes different models that vary slightly in design style, color and general appearance. Note that though your computer may look slightly different from that pictured throughout this documentation, all ports, jacks, indicators, specifications and general functions are the same for all the design styles.

Battery Disposal & Caution

The product that you have purchased contains a rechargeable battery. The battery is recyclable. At the end of its useful life, under various state and local laws, it may be illegal to dispose of this battery into the municipal waste stream. Check with your local solid waste officials for details in your area for recycling options or proper disposal.

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used battery according to the manufacturer's instructions.

System Startup

1. Remove all packing materials.
2. Place the computer on a stable surface.
3. Securely attach any peripherals you want to use with the computer (e.g. keyboard and mouse) to their ports.
4. When first setting up the computer use the following procedure (as to safeguard the computer during shipping, the battery will be locked to not power the system until first connected to the AC/DC adapter and initially set up as below):
   • Attach the AC/DC adapter cord to the DC-In jack on the right of the computer, then plug the AC power cord into an outlet, and connect the AC power cord to the AC/DC adapter. The battery will now be unlocked.
5. Use one hand to raise the lid to a comfortable viewing angle (do not exceed 130 degrees); use the other hand (as illustrated in Figure 1) to support the base of the computer (Note: Never lift the computer by the lid).
6. Press the power button to turn the computer “on”.

Figure 1 - Opening the Lid/Computer with AC/DC Adapter Plugged-In: This diagram illustrates the correct way to open the laptop lid and connect the AC/DC adapter. It shows the lid being lifted to a comfortable viewing angle of approximately 130 degrees, with the base of the computer supported by the other hand. The AC/DC adapter cord connects to the DC-In jack on the right side of the computer.

System Software

Your computer may already come with system software pre-installed. Where this is not the case, or where you are re-configuring your computer for a different system, you will find this manual refers to Microsoft Windows 11.

Shut Down

Note that you should always shut your computer down by choosing the Shut down command in Windows. This will help prevent hard disk or system problems.

1. Click the [Start Menu icon].
2. Click the [Power item].
3. Choose Shut down from the menu.

System Map: Front View with Display Open

Figure 2 - Front View with Display Open: This diagram shows the front view of the open laptop. Key components are labeled:

• 1. Webcam: Located at the top center of the display bezel.
• 2. Webcam LED: Adjacent to the webcam, illuminates when the camera is in use.
• 3. Built-In Microphone: Located on either side of the webcam.
• 4. Display: The 15.6-inch (39.62cm) screen.
• 5. Keyboard: The full-size keyboard.
• 6. Touchpad & Touch buttons: Located below the keyboard. The diagram indicates the valid operational area for the touchpad and its buttons with dotted lines.

LED Indicators

The LED indicators on the computer display helpful information about the current status of the computer.

Keyboard

Your notebook comes with a keyboard. The keyboard has a numeric keypad for easy numeric data input. Pressing Num Lk turns on/off the numeric keypad. It also features function keys to allow you to change operational features instantly.

Figure 3-Keyboard Without Backlight: This diagram shows the layout of the keyboard. It highlights the Function Keys (F1-F12) across the top row and the Numeric Keypad on the right side. It also indicates the location of the [Fn] key, [Windows Logo Key], and [Logo Key].

Figure 4-Keyboard With Backlight: Similar to Figure 3, this diagram illustrates the keyboard layout with a backlight. It also highlights the Function Keys and Numeric Keypad, along with the [Fn], [Windows Logo Key], and [Logo Key].

Function Keys & Visual Indicators

The function keys (F1 - F12 etc.) will act as hot keys when pressed while the [Fn] key is held down. In addition to the basic function key combinations, some visual indicators are available when the Control Center driver is installed.

Note: Table 2 lists function key combinations. Some combinations may vary or require the Control Center driver.

System Map: Left & Right Views

Figure 5 - Left & Right Views: This diagram illustrates the ports and features on the left and right sides of the laptop.

Left Side:

• 1. MicroSD Card Reader
• 2. 2-In-1 Audio Jack (Headphone/Microphone)
• 3. USB 2.0 Port
• 4. USB 3.0 Port

Right Side:

• 5. Security Lock Slot
• 6. DC-In jack
• 7. HDMI Port
• 8. USB 3.0 port
• 9. TYPE-C jack
• 10. TYPE-C jack
• 11. Camera shutter

Combination Audio Jacks (2-In-1 Audio Jacks): Note that the combination audio jacks can support headphones or headsets (i.e. a combination microphone/headphone). When a device is plugged in, a dialog box will pop-up asking you to select the device type (e.g., "Headset" or "Headphone"). Ensure you select the correct device and click OK.

[Overheating Warning Icon]: To prevent your computer from overheating, make sure nothing blocks any vent while the computer is in use.

System Map: Bottom Views

Figure 6 - Bottom Views: This diagram shows the underside of the laptop.

• 1. Vent: Indicates ventilation openings.
• 2. SSD cover: Indicates the location of the SSD cover.

[Bottom Cover Removal Warning Icon]: Do not remove any cover(s) and/or screw(s) for the purposes of device upgrade as this may violate the terms of your warranty. If you need to replace/remove the SSD/RAM etc., for any reason, please contact your distributor/supplier for further information.

Control Center

Run the Control Center from the Start menu in Windows [Start Menu icon]. You can also double-click the icon in the notification area of the taskbar to access the Control Center. The Control Center provides quick access to Power Modes, Fan settings, configuration and the Flexikey application.

Windows 11 Start Menu, Context Menu, Taskbar, Control Panel and Settings

Most of the apps, control panels, utilities and programs within Windows 11 can be accessed from the Start Menu by clicking the [Start Menu icon] in the taskbar in the lower left corner of the screen (or by pressing the [Windows Logo Key] on the keyboard).

Right-click the Start Menu icon [Start Menu icon] (or use the [Windows Logo Key] + X key combination) to bring up an advanced Context Menu of useful features such as Apps and Features, Power Options, Task Manager, Search, File Explorer, Device Manager, Computer Management and Network Connections etc.

The notification area of the taskbar is in the bottom right of the screen. Some of the control panels and applications referred to throughout the course of this manual can be accessed from here.

Throughout this manual you will see an instruction to open the Control Panel. To access the Control Panel, use the [Windows Logo Key] + R key combination and type "Control Panel". You can pin the Control Panel tile to Start or taskbar.

The Settings item in the Start Menu (and also as an App) gives you quick access to a number of system settings control panels allowing you to adjust settings for System, Bluetooth & devices, Network & internet, Personalization, Apps, Accounts, Time & language, Gaming, Accessibility, Privacy & security and Windows Update.

Figure 7 - Start Menu, Context Menu, Taskbar, Control Panel and Settings: This figure shows examples of the Windows 11 Start Menu, context menus, and the Settings application interface.

Display Devices

Note that you can use external displays connected to the HDMI-Out port. See your display device manual to see which formats are supported.

Configuring the Displays in Windows

All external and internal displays (up to 3 active displays) can be configured from Windows by using the Display or System (in Settings) control panel or the Project menu.

1. Attach your external display(s) to the appropriate port, and turn it(them) on.
2. Press the [Windows Key] + P (or [Fn] + [F7]) key combination.
3. Click on any one of the options from the menu to select PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend or Second screen only.
4. You can also click Connect to a wireless display at the bottom of the Project screen and follow the steps to connect to any wireless enabled display.

Figure 8 - Project: This figure shows the "Project" menu that appears when pressing [Windows Key] + P, allowing users to select display modes.

To access the Display control panel in Windows

1. Right-click the desktop and select Display settings from the menu.
2. Choose the required display settings from the menus.

To configure the displays using the Display control panel

1. Attach your external display(s) to the appropriate port, and turn it(them) on.
2. Right-click the desktop and select Display settings from the menu.
3. Click the Detect button.
4. The computer will then detect any attached displays.
5. You can configure up to 3 displays from the Multiple displays menu.

Figure 9 - Display (Multiple displays): This figure shows the Windows Display settings interface, illustrating how to manage multiple displays.

3 Connected Displays: Note that when 3 displays are connected, only 2 displays may be configured in Duplicate mode.

Audio Features

You can configure the audio options on your computer from the Sound control panel in Windows. Access the Sound control panel via the Settings (System > Sound) item in the Start menu.

The volume may be adjusted by means of the [Fn] + [F5]/[F6] key combination. The sound volume level can also be set using the volume control within Windows. Click the [Sound icon] in the taskbar to check the setting.

Sound Blaster Studio: The Sound Blaster Studio application allows you to configure the audio settings to your requirements for the best performance in games, music and movies.

Sound Blaster Studio Application: Run the Sound Blaster Studio control panel from the Start menu in Windows [Start Menu icon] [Creative App icon].

Figure 10 - Sound Blaster Studio: This figure shows the Sound Blaster Studio application interface, detailing audio settings and profiles.

Power & battery

The Power & battery control panel allows you to quickly adjust power options for Screen and sleep, Power mode, Battery saver and Battery usage etc. Access the Power & battery control panel via the Settings (System > Power & battery) item in the Start menu.

The Power mode can be set to Balanced (default) which balances performance and battery life, Best power efficiency for better battery life with reduced performance, and Best Performance for improved performance but with greater battery consumption. You can also customize the settings for how long your computer will remain inactive before it turns off the screen or goes to sleep. Expand the “Screen and sleep" option, and select your preferred durations from each drop-down menu.

Figure 11 - Power & battery: This figure displays the Windows Power & battery settings interface, showing battery status and options for screen and sleep, power mode, and battery saver.

Wireless LAN Module (Option)

Make sure the Wireless LAN module is turned on (and not in Airplane Mode) before configuration begins.

WLAN Configuration in Windows

1. Click the [Wi-Fi icon] in the notification area of the taskbar.
2. Click the [Network icon].
3. A list of available access points will appear.
4. Double-click an access point to connect to it (or click it and click Connect).
5. Enter a network security key (password) if required, and click Next.
6. You can choose to find other devices or not.
7. When you are connected to the network access point it will display Connected.
8. Select any connected network and click Disconnect to disconnect from a connected access point.
9. You can click the Airplane Mode button to turn the mode On or Off.
10. Alternatively you can click the Wi-Fi button to turn just the Wi-Fi On or Off.

Connect Automatically: It is recommended that you check the box to Connect automatically. This will cause the system to check for the access point upon startup, and resuming from a power-saving state, and will remove any necessity to keep connecting manually.

Bluetooth Module (Option)

Make sure the Bluetooth module is turned on (and not in Airplane Mode) before configuration begins.

Bluetooth Configuration in Windows

1. Click the Settings item in the Start Menu.
2. Click Bluetooth & devices.
3. Click Add device > Bluetooth and a list of discovered devices will appear.
4. Double-click the device you want to pair with the computer and click Connect.
5. Select a device and click Remove Device > Yes to disconnect from any device.